Issue 15 SJC News 2020

Hoped Filled and Back on Campus for a Fresh New Start to Term 4!

As we began a fresh new Term 4 full of hope, we returned after the Feast of St Francis of Assisi and the closing Sunday in the ‘Season of Creation’. At the invitation of Pope Francis, the church focussed for five weeks on the call to integral ecology. Many traditions view St. Francis as an inspiration and guide for those who protect creation. Pope Francis visited the Italian city of Assisi to celebrate the feast day of St. Francis, and to sign his new encyclical letter on Human Fraternity.

We have begun to emerge hope filled from our homes in regional Victoria, where we have remained at home in the company of our loved ones, the loyal company of our pets, grounded in the nature of our gardens and neighbourhood as we exercised. In doing so, we have come to a renewed appreciation and gratitude for the relationships that sustain us and God’s wonders of creation.

Some words of hope as we journey forward from Pope Francis’ new encyclical letter Fratelli Tutti, on Fraternity and Social Friendship.

‘For God continues to sow abundant seeds of goodness in our human family. The recent pandemic enabled us to recognize and appreciate once more all those around us who, in the midst of fear, responded by putting their lives on the line. We began to realize that our lives are interwoven with and sustained by ordinary people valiantly shaping the decisive events of our shared history: doctors, nurses, pharmacists, storekeepers and supermarket workers, cleaning personnel, caretakers, transport workers, men and women working to provide essential services and public safety, volunteers, priests and religious… They understood that no one is saved alone.’[51]

55. ‘I invite everyone to renewed hope, for hope “speaks to us of something deeply rooted in every human heart, independently of our circumstances and historical conditioning. Hope speaks to us of a thirst, an aspiration, a longing for a life of fulfillment, a desire to achieve great things, things that fill our heart and lift our spirit to lofty realities like truth, goodness and beauty, justice and love… Hope is bold; it can look beyond personal convenience, the petty securities and compensations which limit our horizon, and it can open us up to grand ideals that make life more beautiful and worthwhile”.[52] Let us continue, then, to advance along the paths of hope’.

http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa francesco_20201003_enciclica-fratelli-tutti.html

I have shared some reflections on returning from remote learning, from students in my Year 8 Religious Education Class. They share some of the varying and common feelings and thoughts many of us shared during this unique time of change and adaptation for us all. Our Head of Students Services, Kerry Drever has provided us with some introductory Wellbeing discussion starters for students as we settled back into school. Some clips looked light heartedly at remote learning life at home, safe ways to manage our Covid norms on our return and skills of gratitude and mindful ways to manage our transition back to our Waterford, Westcourt and Mt Sion campuses.

‘Remote learning was a little bit overwhelming for me at the start. Moving from a very social environment to an isolated and alone one put some stress on my shoulders.’

‘I really missed my friends every day, as they gave me comfort at school.’

‘Remote learning for me was the greatest because it was less stressful and I could eat my choice of food.’

‘I liked my time saying home, doing work when I wanted to and I liked the timetable.’

‘I liked that we could take breaks at times if we weren’t feeling in the moment.’

‘I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to have an education at home rather than no education at all.’

‘It was comforting knowing that my parents and teachers were there supporting me the entire time.’

‘Now I will have to get used to the school environment again, but it’ great to be back.’

I ended my last newsletter report with a quote from St Mary MacKillop, ‘Take fresh courage!’ Her 10th year anniversary of her canonisation as Saint Mary of the Cross, Australia’s first Saint will be soon upon us. You are welcome to join in a National Prayer Vigil Friday 16th 8pm. See attached invitation. Details available at this site https://www.sosj.org.au/10th-anniversary/

Let us pray for courage for our Year 12 students as they strive to give their best for the weeks ahead.

‘Mary MacKillop is a woman whose life encourages us to “take fresh courage”. Her perseverance in the face of adversity came from her deep desire to live in and for God. Walking amidst life’s difficulties, she had the capacity to lift people’s spirit as she encouraged them to find meaning and purpose in their lives. Her heart was grounded in God’s mission, loving tenderly the many people who shared their troubles with her.’

Sr Monica Cavanagh

PRAYER

Spirit of hope,

breathe in us

and through our world

so that in these uncertain times

we will have enough courage

to participate wholeheartedly

in making your kingdom come.

Amen